Uphill idealist

There is a new app that is incredibly popular this week, the FaceApp . While there is a great deal of controversy on privacy, the source of the app, and the use of it to see what you may look like when you are "old"; I've been thinking about it and what I saw when I saw myself from a more aged perspective. In a world where there is so much emphasis on staying young, I wonder if we may have forgotten the importance of the wisdom that the advancement of years brings? Today would mark Nelson Mandela's 101's birthday, and as person of significant wisdom, he said this in regard to elders: Elders', "support courage where there is fear, foster agreement where there is conflict, and inspire hope where there is despair.” Courage in fear - agreement in conflict - hope where there is despair There gifts of elders: courage, peacemaking and hope; are things so needed in our homes, communities, work and world. So why is it that seeing ourselves as elder...

I’ve said before how much I appreciate the ministry of Fred Rodgers. On his television show, “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” he took seriously the needs of children and used his platform to help children in any way he could. While there are so many anecdotes I could share about Fred – one that comes to  mind on this Sunday we read the lesson of the Good Samaritan, is one that addresses the topic of  differences that can arise between people because of race, religion, gender or orientation.  In Episode 1065 of Mr. Rogers neighborhood, it opens with Rogers inviting viewers to be in his neighborhood; but instead of putting on his iconic cardigan, Rogers talks about how hot the day is  and how nice it would be to put his feet in a pool of cool water.  He moves to his front year where he  fills a small plastic pool with water and begins to  soak his feet. Soon Officer Clemmons, a black  police officer in his neighborhood,  drops by ...

It's important for you to know, that I hate to clean out my wallet. While I love to see it all organized and tidy, the process of un-stuffing and sorting is at the bottom of my list of "things I like to do." However, in the process of un-stuffing my wallet I found something of beauty. I came across a purple crayon. This purple crayon. Yes at first it reminded me of the kid's story, "Harold and the purple crayon" , and then it reminded me of a friend who always stops to take photos of every purple flower she finds.  Hold that thought.  Every. Purple. Flower. Is. Something. To. Take. Note. Of. So when I took the purple crayon out of my wallet. I thought of Harold's Crayon. Then Elle's purple flowers. The purple iris's I saw on a nature walk this week. Every. Purple. Something. Is. Something. To. Take. Note. Of. Purple beauty is everywhere. There is beauty all around us, that hides in plan sight. Crayons are stuffed in...

Shepherd in the light of day, Share with us your whole heart. Loving people today - make us a new start. Jesus’ blessing, we carry – it’s a blessing we are called to share. Good Shepherd lead us all along the way, From each new beginning and in the midst of the fray. We are bound up in God’s presence – in the dark valley and fields of green. The Good Shepherd is guide us on high ground, low ground and all places in between. Shepherd in the light of day, Shepherd in the dark of night Share with us your “Good Shepherd” heart. Help us love people today – Jesus, make us a new start. Painting -  The Little Shepherdess  is a  painting  by  William-Adolphe Bouguereau  completed in 1889 Poem Copyright 2019 T.L. Eastman Based on 23rd Psalm

Grow where you are planted... This photo was taken 4 years ago today, while in interviews to be approved for Ordination. I knew that day that things were not going well and that I was going to face some difficult criticism. At the end of the day my gifts for ministry were affirmed, but the team determined for me to have experience in a new context and I was told I would serve a vicar year away from home.  In the matter of a day, my whole world seemed to chan ge and the emotions of that moment are still palpable today. However, God in all God’s mystery, love and mercy was with me through all of it...even the ugly crying, wandering and coming through the challenges of a call to a new place. These purple flowers breaking through the cement are still a reminder today that God is present in all things, in all times.  God is with you.  Remember this today.   # gratitudematters

Give the comfort of presence,  resting gently alongside and with. Notice the warm sun streaming through a window  to reveal the joyful shadow dance of tree leaves on the carpet at my feet. Eat a meal, simple and humble, that is a feast for body and soul. Share space. Give weight to ground me. Look deep into my eyes. Know me fully and still long to know more. This is my faithful friend.   Sometimes they walk on two feet and often they walk on four. Copyright 2019 T.L. Eastman

“Chloe, how big is your family?” Points to her family and counts.. “1, 2, 3 aaannnndddd...” “Four”, I say and point to her. She smiles. “Ok Chloe, how many people are in God’s family?”  Without delay she says, “All the people!” Yes Chloe, God’s family is for all people.